Chapter 282 (Self Edited) Departing from the Holy City

When it came to preparation, there wasnt much that Soma and Hildegard did. To begin with, it wasnt a long trip. If it was only about half a day, at worse, it would still be manageable if they didnt eat any meal.

As expected, water was necessary, but as mentioned before, Hildegard could use magic like limbs. As a result, water could be replenished, so they only needed to have the bare essentials.

So, they just waited for the time for Eleonora to prepare the horse, but to be exact, it took a bit longer. So, Soma and Hildegard went to the front of the east gate of the city.

As already mentioned, the Holy City was similar to the streets of Radeus. It was also a so-called fortified city. The perimeter of the city was covered with ramparts, and there was one gate for each north, south, east and west to get in and out of the city. One of the gates was where Soma and others were going to meet this time.

Again, as mentioned before, the Holy City didnt belong to any country. Well, rather than not belonging, if strictly speaking, it couldnt belong to any country. This was because the influence of the Holy Doctrine was too great.

Belonging to a certain country was synonymous with increasing the influence of that country. If that happened, there would definitely be a war.

Not to mention the countries located around the Holy City, the countries in the distance were surely to try to put their hands. They continue to remain neutral to avoid such things. Although it was possible to take such a view, Eleonora and her people knew how it actually was.

At any rate, however, it was an exception only to the Holy City, and not to others. Ingrids hometown, which was less than half a day by horse from the Holy City, must belong to some country.

Perhaps, it was because the Holy City was a blank zone, the Holy City was also a border line of other countries. In other words, the Holy City was in contact with multiple countries, and those who came from each gate also have their own characteristics.

Soma and Hildegard hadnt seen it much yet, but somehow, they knew. There were many subracial people from the north, and there were a lot of miscellaneous people in the south. However, this was the only place where they could see the appearance of the Demon. Most of the west was of human race, and in fact, Soma and Hildegard came from this direction.

Then, they were going to the east. Although most of them were of the human race, but

Hmm whatever you say, the appearance of what comes from here is a bit poor. (Soma)

Hmm. Were not seeing that much, but the people coming from here are obviously looking poor. The country on this side is surely (Hildegard)

Thats why I said that, right? Im a b.u.mpkin. (Ingrid)

When they turned their eyes to the voice of her, Ingrid was just about to come. Moreover, from the words, it seemed that she heard what they were talking.

They werent talking quietly, but they didnt say it out loud either. Apparently, Ingrids ears were pretty good.

Incidentally, it hadnt been long since Soma and Hildegard came here, but it seemed that Ingrid was able to finish her preparation quickly.

Youre pretty fast. (Soma)

I dont want to be told by someone who came earlier. Well, even though it was preparation, it took me a while to prepare the horse, and I had to hand over my job since I was taking a sudden break. (Ingrid)

I see, we were coming as early as that. So, what did you mean just now? (Hildegard)

It means as it is Well, in short, the country I lived in was a poor country. Rather than just the village I lived in, the country itself was a countryside.

Aah I remembered it. Most of the people were the Holy Doctrine believers, and there must have been a country where it was left unattended because it didnt give a good return if it was attacked. It was definitely this one that was there. (Hildegard)

Hmm I see. So you lived in a village less than half a day on horseback from here, but I wondered what it means by a b.u.mpkin. Is it because of that? (Soma)

Well, Im even more b.u.mpkin than the rest. Even though it is close to the Holy City, not all countries have tried to develop it. (Ingrid)

Considering that the believers of the Holy Doctrine often visit the Holy City, it inevitably meant that many people came and went off. It was also inevitable that the relay point would prosper, and if the majority of the people were believers, it was synonymous with almost all the people pa.s.sing there.

However, if it was as Ingrid said, it seemed that the country on this side didnt try to develop itself.

Surely, as you can tell, that country is likely to be that kind of place. Well, developing near the Holy City can mean that you are aiming for the Holy City, depending on which point of view. (Hildegard)

Wouldnt you feel unpleasant about that? (Soma)

Well, thats why its really just a village to go to. You shouldnt expect to be a good one, right? (Ingrid)

I havent expected anything to begin with. Anyhow, are we going now? (Soma)

Well. If thats the plan, we can do it. (Hildegard)

Yes. I have no objection. (Ingrid)

Then, they decided to leave.

Although the Holy City had a gate, it was basically a preparation for monsters. The Holy City was an open city, it was unlikely to be able to confirm the ident.i.ty at the gate.

There were people like guards, but this was just in case. Ingrid slightly bowed to them probably because she knew them. Without any issues, Soma and the rest stepped out of the city.

The sight that spread out in front of them didnt seem to be much different from that on the west side. There was a gra.s.sland on one side, and a gentle breeze was flowing.

Well, were going to ride horses from here, but may I ask you one question? (Ingrid)

Ill probably know what you want to ask, but go ahead. What is it? (Soma)

Why do you guys have only one horse? (Ingrid)

A horse could be used for two people, but considering that it was a long-distance trip, it was naturally desirable to ride it alone. The horses were tired differently, and the speed which it could put out was also different.

Soma and Hildegard were very aware of that, but

Well, thats a reason for that. If I have to put it simply, its Hildegards fault. (Soma)

Well, yeah, surely, thats true, but! Thats just way too short of an explanation, you know! (Hildegard)

So, what else do I have to say? (Soma)

Thats uhmm, I cant say anything else. (Hildegard)

Perhaps, it was because Hildegard was a Dragonkin. When Hildegard tried to ride, no matter what kind of horse it was, it was scared. Let alone being meek, the horse wouldnt move. So, nothing would happen.

Well, to be honest, Hildegard herself could run faster than riding a horse, so Soma thought that Hildegard should run by herself. Anyhow

Well, we managed to get on by riding together. If not, it was impossible, so I brought only one horse. Eleonora lent me a horse that was particularly fast, so its probably alright. (Soma)

I-I see well, if Eleonora-sama said that, it certainly wouldnt be a problem. (Ingrid)

In the worst case scenario, all they had to do was to let Hildegard run by herself. So, there was no problem. Ingrid might be surprised if Hildegard ran, but then, she had no choice but to do it.

I feel like youre thinking something that isnt right, yes? (Hildegard)

Its just in your mind. More importantly, this is better. In fact, youre light, so it could run, but I still dont know if it can run properly. (Soma)

Well, yeah. (Hildegard)

Hildegard came on the horse on which Soma was riding first, and there seemed to be no particular problem. Although the horse was running lightly, it ran as expected. It wasnt only a fast horse, it also seemed to be a smart horse.

By the way, Soma could ride a horse because he was a man from a Duke family. He practiced to be able to ride.

Anyway

Well then. Ingrid, please lead the way. (Soma)

Aah, leave it to me. I said before it will take half a day, but if we leave now, we should be able to reach it before sunset. If things go well, the weather shouldnt be a problem and there shouldnt be any particularly powerful monsters along the way, so theres no problem. Well, I dont think theres a problem if it comes out. (Ingrid)

Well, its better to have no problem. The problem is probably waiting at the village. (Hildegard)

Surely, it is. Well then, shall we? (Ingrid)

Nodding to Ingrids words, Soma pulled the reins he was holding. The horses were running toward the village where Ingrids hometown was in a tranquil scenery.